181230-N-NB142-1171 ARABIAN SEA (Dec. 30, 2018) An F-35B Lightning II attached to the “Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) while deployed as the lead ship of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG and 13th MEU is the first U.S. Navy/Marine Corps team to deploy to U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations with the transformational warfighting capabilities of the F-35B Lightning II, making it a more lethal, flexible and persistent force, leading to a more stable region for our partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chandler Harrell/Released)